The Florida Panthers are back in the Stanley Cup Final for the third year in a row, and Brad Marchand certainly helped play a role in that. The 37-year-old forward has been great for Florida during the playoffs, posting four goals, 14 points, and a plus-11 rating in 17 games thus far. This includes recording an assist in the Panthers' series-clinching Game 5 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final.
Following the Panthers' Game 5 win over Carolina, Marchand expressed that he knows how special it is that he is heading back to the Stanley Cup Final for the fourth time in his career.
"It's special," Marchand said. " You know, I've been around for a while, and you realize how few opportunities you have to be part of something like this. Just enjoying every moment, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity."
After this, Marchand admitted that he did not envision himself becoming a Panther before he got to Florida, but also made it clear that he is ecstatic about being on the club.
"Yeah, you're right," Marchand said. "I definitely didn't expect to be here in this jersey, but I'm very happy I am."
It is certainly understandable that Marchand did not see himself becoming a Panther earlier this season. Before his trade to the Panthers, Marchand spent the entirety of his 16-year career with the Boston Bruins and was their captain for his final two campaigns with the Original Six club. Many expected that Marchand would be a lifetime Bruin, but that all changed when the struggling Original Six club dealt him to Florida.
While nobody, including Marchand, would have predicted that No. 63 would become a Panther at the beginning of the season, it's clear that he's been an outstanding fit. Now, he will look to help the Panthers win their second straight Stanley Cup from here.
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